2025 Subaru WRX tS Drive Modes

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The Subaru WRX sport compact sedan is known for its agility and exciting performance. WRX stands for World Rally eXperimental and is a nod to its performance heritage. Attached to the Subaru Impreza in the early 1990s up until 2014, the WRX has become a standalone model and retains the spirit of its predecessors that have found significant success in international rally competitions. At Speedway Subaru, we've compiled this article for you to explore the 2025 Subaru WRX tS and its various drive modes.

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What Is the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Trim?

The 2025 Subaru WRX is a top choice for those looking for a stylish, comfortable, and fun-to-drive vehicle. The standard all-wheel-drive system and manual transmission are among its strongest selling points, and another is the drive mode select system in trims such as the new WRX tS. Before we look at the tS trim level, let's recap the 2025 Subaru WRX.

2025 Subaru WRX Highlights

The 2025 WRX is in the fifth-generation sedan lineup and joins the BRZ in Subaru's line of performance vehicles. The WRX has a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a six-speed manual transmission and Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 WRX has the same aggressive exterior with its low stance, C-shaped headlights, a hexagonal grille, and a prominent integrated rear spoiler.

In 2025, Subaru discontinued the WRX base trim and replaced the TR trim with the 2025 WRX tS trim. The tS means tuned by STI, Subaru's motorsports division, Subaru Tecnica International.

2025 Subaru WRX tS and What Sets It Apart

Short of being a full STI model, the WRX tS satisfies enthusiasts looking for a performance-oriented Subaru sedan. It sports the same powertrain as other WRX trims but offers several new features. These include:

  • STI-tuned suspension: Electronically controlled, adjustable adaptive dampers reduce body roll and pitch
  • High-performance Brembo brake system: Large rotors and pads with six-piston calipers in the front and two-piston binders in the back
  • Customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster: Displays the boost gauge, navigation, active fuel economy, and other information
  • Performance-designed Recaro front bucket seats: Ultrasuede wrapped with blue leather accents and an embossed “WRX tS” on the headrests
  • Uniquely styled exterior elements: Taillights with volcanic magma-inspired lighting, exclusive tS badging, and Crystal Black Silica shark fin antenna, mirrors, and rear spoiler

The 2025 WRX tS inherited the GT drive mode select system that consists of preprogrammed modes you can select for enhanced driving in various conditions and a customizable mode to create settings.

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What Are the Subaru WRX tS Drive Modes?

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS has five drive profiles: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. Let's find out how to operate the system and what each mode offers.

How To Access and Control Drive Modes in the WRX tS

You access and control the drive modes through the 11.6-inch central touch screen, the core of the STARLINK multimedia system. The drive mode select screen displays the modes on the topmost part, with the active ones highlighted in blue and their current settings. Here's a quick look at these systems and their modes:

  • Powertrain: Normal and Sport
  • Steering: Comfort, Normal, and Sport
  • Suspension: Comfort, Normal, and Sport
  • EyeSight driver-assist system: Eco, Comfort, Standard, and Dynamic

The active modes are dependent on the chosen drive mode; for example, Sport+ puts the powertrain, steering, and suspension in Sport+ mode. The EyeSight driver-assist technology is typically set to Dynamic, the most responsive setting, but can be customized.

What the Different Drive Modes Mean

The drive modes on the Subaru WRX tS allow you to optimize the vehicle's performance, making your drive more enjoyable and comfortable. It's possible to adapt the EyeSight technology to match your chosen profile for enhanced safety. Functions such as adaptive cruise control, lead vehicle alert, lane departure, and sway warning are all adjustable. Here's a brief description of each drive mode:

  • Comfort: Light steering, less aggressive throttle response, and a softer suspension provide a relaxed and comfortable drive. Climate control has a gentle setting and less air volume.
  • Normal: Ideal for daily driving, this balanced setting enables you to navigate city streets and highways easily. EyeSight is set to Standard, and fuel efficiency is prioritized.
  • Sport: This setting is for high-speed cruising focused on improving driving performance while still maintaining comfort. Steering is tighter, the throttle is more responsive, and the suspension is firmer.
  • Sport+: The most aggressive in terms of steering, acceleration, and throttle response, Sport+ is the best mode to use when accelerating to pass other vehicles or driving in mountainous areas.
  • Individual: You can customize and save your settings for the powertrain, steering, suspension, and EyeSight. For example, choose the Sport+ setting for the powertrain and Comfort for the steering, getting a relaxed yet responsive ride.

Why You Should Consider the WRX tS

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS is a sensible choice for both sports car enthusiasts and casual drivers. Enthusiasts will appreciate its STI-tuned suspension, selectable drive modes, customizable Individual mode, and standard manual transmission. Casual drivers will enjoy its all-wheel-drive capability, EyeSight safety suite, and comfortable, tech-forward interior. To learn more about the new WRX tS, contact us at Speedway Subaru in Indianapolis, or visit our dealership for a test-drive. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you explore financing options so you can drive home in a new Subaru in no time.